The Best of Denver Winners: 1984

In 1984, Westword published its first Best of Denver issue, a celebration of the city that touted everything from the Best Radio Station (KBCO, then six years old) to the Best Gallery Openings (Pirate Contemporary Art Oasis, still going strong on Navajo Street despite plenty of competition from other now-booming arts districts). Many of the other winners are long gone, along with leg warmers, the mobile hot-tub business and our Best Restaurant, Cafe Giovanni.

But no honor was more farsighted than the one given the Denver Broncos’ brand-spanking-new quarterback, who’d had a very discouraging season after gracing the cover of Westword during his first days at training camp. Even so, our Best of Denver team called a winning play and gave John Elway the Best Future award. “A Hall of Famer, for sure,” we succinctly predicted.

Here are the rest of the winner from that first issue (look for the 25th on March 28, 2008):

Best of Denver 1984
CITY LIVING

Best Political Gaffe –
Pena's blizzard report card

Best Bright Idea (That Didn't Work) –
Pena's idea that city garbage trucks would drive at night to help pack the snow

Best Political Joke –
Governor Lamm on Texas

Best Bar Song –
“Ol’ Man Lamm” sung to the tune of “Ol’ Man River” by James Bunch and Bob Kapelke, attorneys

Best Ronald Reagan Imitation –
Azar's Big Boy

Best Political Flash In The Pan –
Pat Schroeder's analysis of the Ronald Reagan presidency issued to the House of Reps

Best Also-Ran –
Steve Leatherman (Littleton banker who ran for the Senate)

Best Almost-Ran –
Michael Kennedy (who intended to run against Tim Wirth)

Best Timing –
Donald Seawell 's decision to fill DCPA positions with his own people

Best Political Fundraiser (Democratic) –
Rep. Ben Nighthorse Campbell planned to cut off his ponytail to raise money for his campaign

Best Political Fundraiser (Republican) –
Republican auction in October

Best Republican Paparazzi –
Holly Coors

Best Vaginal Politics –
Michael Muftic

Best Person To Watch –
John Parr

Best Business Namedropper –
Coors Beer's suit against Chicago beverage maker Robert Corr

Best Political Namedropper –
Dottie Wham

Best Resume –
Norma Jones' resume for the number three spot in the city's parks and recreation department

Best Talent –
Miss Colorado USA

Best Bumpersticker –
"Imagine a Great City--and Go There!"

Best business card –
Eric Sonderman prints business cards with the slogan "Imagine a Great Consultant"